As housing affordability continues to be one of the most pressing issues facing Americans, NAHB has been working aggressively behind the scenes to ensure housing remains a top priority at the federal, state, and local levels. In 2025, these advocacy efforts resulted in meaningful legislative, regulatory, and business wins that directly support home builders, remodelers, developers, and small businesses across the construction industry.
One of the most significant achievements was NAHB’s role in shaping the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping tax and domestic policy package that delivered major benefits for housing and small businesses. The legislation permanently blocks a $4 trillion tax increase by extending key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including tax rate structures and increased Alternative Minimum Tax exemptions. It also makes permanent the 20% Section 199A Qualified Business Deduction, providing long-term tax relief and parity for pass-through entities—an essential win for many NAHB members. Additionally, the bill expands the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, helping increase the supply of affordable rental housing nationwide.
NAHB also successfully advocated to exempt U.S. firms from burdensome beneficial ownership reporting requirements, protecting small businesses from costly compliance mandates and unnecessary administrative strain. This effort included working directly with lawmakers and filing an amicus brief to ensure members had both clarity and protection.
In support of increased housing production, NAHB played a key role in securing a major reduction to FHA multifamily mortgage insurance premiums. The Federal Housing Administration cut premiums for all multifamily programs to just 0.25%, down from rates as high as 0.95%. This change significantly improves project feasibility, lowers development costs, and encourages the construction of much-needed multifamily housing.
On the regulatory front, NAHB secured a six-month delay in the enforcement of HUD’s 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements, pushing compliance to May 28, 2026. NAHB continues to challenge the adoption of these costly standards, working alongside state attorneys general and pursuing legislative solutions to protect housing affordability and construction flexibility.
Environmental and land-use clarity was also improved through NAHB’s involvement in revising the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. By actively engaging with the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NAHB helped push for a clearer definition of federally regulated waters—providing builders with greater certainty while still protecting critical waterways under the Clean Water Act.
NAHB also achieved important progress in the building codes arena. Through participation in the International Code Council (ICC) development process, NAHB successfully defeated proposals that would have added unnecessary costs, including expanded floodplain requirements and fuel gas detector mandates. At the same time, NAHB helped secure approval for code changes supporting traditional stair dimensions and advancing standards for modular and panelized construction—both critical for innovation, safety, and cost efficiency.
Finally, NAHB continues to support members at the state and local level through direct financial and legal assistance. In 2025 alone, the State and Local Issues Fund distributed $360,000 to 18 HBAs to support advocacy efforts, while the Legal Action Fund awarded $330,000 to assist associations and members involved in litigation. These resources, combined with NAHB’s technical expertise and staff support, ensure local associations have the tools they need to defend the industry.
This is the power of your membership—protecting housing affordability, reducing regulatory burdens, supporting small businesses, and advocating for the future of the construction and building industry every day.